Operation Deadfall

Creating your character

Characters will be created before the first session, giving us time to make sure everyone’s character fits naturally into the world of Deadfall. I’m happy to work with you one-on-one if you’re new to character creation or want help developing a backstory, personality, or connection to the setting. Characters will begin at level 11. Ability scores will be determined using rolled stats. Please use the Arcana Unleashed: Deadfall rules and character options provided for the campaign. If you’d like to use material from another source, just run it by me first I’m generally open to interesting character concepts as long as they fit the setting and keep everyone on an even playing field. Most importantly, build a character who wants to be part of the adventure. You don't need to create the strongest possible character; create someone you’ll enjoy roleplaying. Give them goals, flaws, relationships, or secrets that I can use to weave your character into the story. We’ll work together to make sure your character has a reason to be here and a reason to keep going when Deadfall starts pushing back.

Preparing for the session

Have a Discord and good mic. I will provide the VTT Link and create your character on DND Beyond.

What Crane brings to the table

Stepping into my game means stepping into a story-driven, atmospheric, and emotionally rich campaign with moments of cinematic flair, intense combat, and personal stakes. Here's what you can expect from me as your GM, and the kind of game I run. I absolutely use character voices. Expect everything from eerie whispers and tragic nobles to unhinged cultists and charming liars. I bring major NPCs to life with tone, personality, and intent. You don’t need to be an actor but if you want to speak in character, I’m all in. If you prefer describing actions or dialogue, that’s great too. I’ll meet you where you are. I use ambient music and curated soundtracks to heighten the mood. Chilling tones in dungeons, tense war drums in battle, and soft piano for those quiet, human moments. I don’t overdo it music is there to enhance, not distract. Combat is tactical, intense, and consequential. I reward smart positioning, teamwork, and creative thinking. Enemies use the terrain, set ambushes, and fight with purpose especially Lilith’s forces, who are organized and brutal. This isn't a grind, though every combat has narrative weight. You won’t fight for the sake of XP. When swords are drawn, lives and plots are on the line.

How Crane creates a safe table

I’ll send a private survey or document link (Google Form or Word doc) for players to mark their Lines (hard limits) and Veils (soft limits). Feedback will be compiled anonymously; only the combined list will be shared with the group. Players can update their boundaries at any time by messaging me privately. 🛡️ Safety Tools Lines = Hard limits; these themes will not appear in the game at all. Veils = Soft limits; themes may exist but will fade to black or be handled off-screen. Open-Door Policy = You’re free to step away or pause a scene if needed. Roleplaying Consent Form= There will be a form I would like you to fill out that will give me a clear understanding on what exactly your lines and veils are so I can tailor your experience. 💬 Aftercare Quick debrief at the end of each session (1–2 minutes per person to check in). Private follow-up if something didn’t sit right or needs retconning. Celebrate wins & decompress with out-of-character chat before ending the session. 📝 Player Input Share the themes you’re excited to explore (tragic romance, morally gray choices, gothic mystery). Request specific tone, style, or pacing preferences. Character death is a very real threat, especially at early levels. I don’t pull punches the dice decide your fate. The world comes alive when danger is unpredictable: some encounters will be easy… others nearly impossible. Knowing when to fight and when to run is a vital skill for any true adventurer.